Entry Level Teacher Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Are you ready to lead the next chapter of educational excellence? At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

We currently operate multiple elementary and middle schools across the Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Queens, and continue to grow - opening 1-2 new schools each year, because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. As part of this organizational expansion, we are also preparing to welcome our first-ever Zeta High School class of 9th graders in the 2026-27 school year, a milestone that marks the next chapter in our mission to provide a world-class, PreK-12 pathway. Join our growing team today and be a change agent for children.

To achieve our vision, we are searching for both Middle School STEM and Middle School Humanities Entry Level "Resident" Teachers with a Bachelor's degree, with a preference for STEM majors for STEM roles and Humanities or related majors for Humanities roles, a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a desire for fast-paced growth in a supportive, feedback-driven work culture.  

The Zeta Teacher Residency Program is a 3-year program for new teachers. As a Resident Teacher, you will assist in building a classroom culture that fosters students' genuine love for learning and creates a sense of community for families. If you are not on a pathway to New York State Teacher Certification already, Zeta will support your enrollment into a 2-year, fully subsidized Master's degree program through Touro University. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to elevate your teaching practice, and be on track to receive New York State professional certification in both general and special education (a requirement of the role). 

This role is a 3-year commitment; two years as a teacher and graduate student, and a third year as a fully certified teacher at Zeta.

Responsibilities:

With the hands-on support of your school leaders and fellow teachers, you will:

• Plan inquiry-driven, academically rigorous lessons that ignite curiosity, accelerate learning, and empower every student to think boldly and deeply.
• Build strong, consistent classroom culture skills to create a safe, joyful, and intellectually vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive.
• Master the foundations of Zeta's academic and social-emotional curriculum, developing the expertise needed to deliver exceptional instruction across disciplines.
• Leverage data, student work, and feedback to understand student needs, drive academic growth, and refine your teaching practice with precision.
• Develop authentic, trusting relationships with students and families that support each child's personal, social-emotional, and academic development.
• Engage in weekly professional learning with leaders and colleagues, embracing feedback and coaching as you grow into a highly effective educator.

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child-like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world-class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team's needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details
• We are caring and put team over individual at all times

Start Date: July 27, 2026  You will receive three weeks of Professional Learning; students begin school the week of August 17.

For Resident Teachers who remain in good standing, Zeta anticipates offering a three-year compensation trajectory with annual salary increases tied to role progression and certification milestones. The anticipated three-year annual base salary scale for Resident Teachers starting at Zeta in 2026-27 is as follows (before applicable taxes and deductions):

• Year 1: $65,000
• Year 2: $75,000
• Year 3:
  • $80,500- $83,500 (for teachers who hold New York State Initial Certification by the start of Year 3, as verified by Zeta), OR
  • $78,500 (for teachers who do not hold New York State Initial Certification by the start of Year 3).

Advancement to the $80,500- $83,500 salary level is expressly contingent upon obtaining New York State Initial Certification through Touro University or an approved certification program by the start of the third school year. Candidates who do not meet certification requirements by Year 3 may remain eligible for continued employment at an adjusted compensation level, subject to role availability and organizational needs.  The compensation trajectory provided here reflects current compensation structures and is provided for illustrative purposes; all compensation decisions reflect individual factors, and compensation structures are reviewed annually and subject to change at Zeta's discretion.

Zeta offers a relocation reimbursement of up to $2,500 for eligible Resident Teachers relocating to join our school community.

We offer great benefits:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings 
• Competitive compensation 

We provide awesome perks:

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts - it's up to you!)
• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
• Fully stocked teacher workrooms with favorite snacks and Nespresso machine
• Zeta swag, team outings, and NYC's finest sweet treats
• Books for professional development 

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth:

• Clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates 
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).